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Forbidden Fruit
When PI Sam Young takes on the case of a philandering wife he has no clue it will lead to theft and murder. And when he stops for supper at his favorite diner, he doesn't know he'll end up meeting Jamie, a young man with aqua eyes who lives in terror of his ex-lover.
It will take all that is in him for Sam to discover who killed his client, while at the same time trying to protect Jamie. In the process, will he be able to convince emotionally battered Jamie it is possible to truly love, and be loved in return?
It will take all that is in him for Sam to discover who killed his client, while at the same time trying to protect Jamie. In the process, will he be able to convince emotionally battered Jamie it is possible to truly love, and be loved in return?
123 pages, ebook
First published June 2, 2012
4 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Edward Kendrick
213 books207 followersBorn and bred Cleveland, I earned a degree in technical theater, later switched to costuming, and headed to NYC. Finally seeing the futility of trying to become rich and famous in the Big Apple, I joined VISTA—Volunteers in Service to America—ending up in Chicago for three years. Then it was on to Denver, where I put down roots and worked as a costume designer until I retired in 2007.
I began writing a few years ago after joining an online fanfic group. Two friends and I then started a group for writers, where they could post any story they wished, no matter the genre or content. Since then I've been writing for publication. My first book came out in February of 2011. Most, but not all, of my work is M/M, either mildly erotic or purely 'romantic'. More often than not it involves a mystery or action/adventure, and is sometimes paranormal as well.
I began writing a few years ago after joining an online fanfic group. Two friends and I then started a group for writers, where they could post any story they wished, no matter the genre or content. Since then I've been writing for publication. My first book came out in February of 2011. Most, but not all, of my work is M/M, either mildly erotic or purely 'romantic'. More often than not it involves a mystery or action/adventure, and is sometimes paranormal as well.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 26, 2012
While I finished it, unfortunately, this story just didn't work for me. I was interested at first and the story had potential, but then it all just sort of fizzled. I thought the story was going to be a real mystery, but even that was just abruptly cut short and really went nowhere. While a lot of others seemed to find this a romantic story, it just didn't read that way to me.
December 7, 2012
The book started as a solid 4* but went down after 3/4 and ended 2,5*
September 6, 2020
Keeping things safe isn't always easy, especially for PI Sam Young. Sam is hired to catch a philandering wife. Job done, his client goes missing and is accused of embezzling funds from his company by his business partner who's just hired Sam to find him. In the process Sam meets Jamie at his favourite dinner. Jamie has recently escaped an abusive relationship and is still in fear of his ex finding him. Sam has to keep both himself and Jamie safe while hoping to convince Jamie that love is possible. A very interesting short read.
July 13, 2012
This was an ok read for me. I really liked the two main characters (Jaime and Sam) and I liked the idea of the plot, but what made it only ok and not a five star read was:
* The mystery part of the plot and Sam´s job took up the first part of the book, but was then solved and that part of the plot was then done
* The romance was the second part of the plot and was pretty much separated from the mystery part of the plot, which was fine. However first nothing happened, then things happened in huge jumps that I as a reader felt were big gaps.
* Jaime came from an abusive relationship and it was very nice that tough guy Sam could help him heal, but that also went from 0-100 in no time at all and I as a reader couldn´t really see the progress of the characters.
* The mystery part of the plot and Sam´s job took up the first part of the book, but was then solved and that part of the plot was then done
* The romance was the second part of the plot and was pretty much separated from the mystery part of the plot, which was fine. However first nothing happened, then things happened in huge jumps that I as a reader felt were big gaps.
* Jaime came from an abusive relationship and it was very nice that tough guy Sam could help him heal, but that also went from 0-100 in no time at all and I as a reader couldn´t really see the progress of the characters.
June 7, 2012
Very sweet and I loved how Sam was with Jamie he was so patient with him..I loved the ending:-) Aww Charlie needs his own story:-)
September 29, 2012
Review for Reviews by JesseWave
3.5 stars
Forbidden Fruit is a story set around a tough PI who doesn’t take any bullshit. PI Sam L. Young, Sly to those few who love him, knows his way around the PI business and thinks he gets an easy case when he is hired to find evidence of a cheating wife. An open and shut case, or so he thinks. He never expects his case to lead to murder and theft, and a sweet young waiter with a troubled past.
Sam has a diner he favors and said diner just got a hawt new waiter. It doesn’t take long for Sam’s eye to wander. Of course, life is never easy and especially not for Jamie, the hawt waiter in question. He is on the run from an abusive past. A past that is about the catch up with him. Unless a certain protective PI steps up…
Forbidden Fruit is a well written story. Unfortunately it’s also a predictable story. It’s easy to figure out what’s going on with the case and where things are going with Jamie.
Now, hold on, that doesn’t make this a bad story at all, it just takes a bit away from it.
What I especially liked about this story is the romance between Sam and Jamie. It’s not a unsurprising case of instant love, though there is instant attraction.
Jamie comes from an abusive and violent past and while he does like Sam, a lot, he doesn’t immediately act on it. Neither does Sam, because he doesn’t want a case of hero worship.
When they both figure out they like each other, they don’t jump straight into bed either. Because of his past, Jamie isn’t capable of it. As a result there is no screen melting erotic scenes, but that actually works in favor for this story as it makes sense. Given what happened to Jamie, it’s not easy to open up again. Or to have sex again. It takes time and trust. When they do end up in bed, it’s sweet though!
I loved how caring Sam was in that regard and how patient he was with Jamie. All strong and tough on the outside, but sweet, caring and loving on the inside.
You may have figured out that Forbidden Fruit is not your typical romance. This is actually a good thing, because despite the PI work, this story had a realistic feel.
It is also a well written story. The way Forbidden Fruit was written – it’s first person from Sam’s POV – may not be my thing, along with the ‘telling/narrating’ scenes, but it is most certainly not poorly done.
As it is written from Sam’s POV, he is the main focus of the story. He’s the character the reader gets to know best. He’s fun to hang around with too, so that’s certainly not a bad thing. The reader gets a lot less on Jamie. He’s seen through Sam’s eyes. Luckily for the reader and befitting Sam’s job, he is a good judge of character.
So then why is this story not rated higher, you ask?
I wanted to rate this story higher than I did. The reason I did not is while I liked how the romance played out, it was still a predictable story. There is no real depth in Forbidden Fruit. It certainly is an enjoyable read, a story to read while waiting at an airport or on a rainy Sunday afternoon. It’s not a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat or clutching your reader in emotional suspense nor on the floor laughing your ass off. But I still liked it!
3.5 stars
Forbidden Fruit is a story set around a tough PI who doesn’t take any bullshit. PI Sam L. Young, Sly to those few who love him, knows his way around the PI business and thinks he gets an easy case when he is hired to find evidence of a cheating wife. An open and shut case, or so he thinks. He never expects his case to lead to murder and theft, and a sweet young waiter with a troubled past.
Sam has a diner he favors and said diner just got a hawt new waiter. It doesn’t take long for Sam’s eye to wander. Of course, life is never easy and especially not for Jamie, the hawt waiter in question. He is on the run from an abusive past. A past that is about the catch up with him. Unless a certain protective PI steps up…
Forbidden Fruit is a well written story. Unfortunately it’s also a predictable story. It’s easy to figure out what’s going on with the case and where things are going with Jamie.
Now, hold on, that doesn’t make this a bad story at all, it just takes a bit away from it.
What I especially liked about this story is the romance between Sam and Jamie. It’s not a unsurprising case of instant love, though there is instant attraction.
Jamie comes from an abusive and violent past and while he does like Sam, a lot, he doesn’t immediately act on it. Neither does Sam, because he doesn’t want a case of hero worship.
When they both figure out they like each other, they don’t jump straight into bed either. Because of his past, Jamie isn’t capable of it. As a result there is no screen melting erotic scenes, but that actually works in favor for this story as it makes sense. Given what happened to Jamie, it’s not easy to open up again. Or to have sex again. It takes time and trust. When they do end up in bed, it’s sweet though!
I loved how caring Sam was in that regard and how patient he was with Jamie. All strong and tough on the outside, but sweet, caring and loving on the inside.
You may have figured out that Forbidden Fruit is not your typical romance. This is actually a good thing, because despite the PI work, this story had a realistic feel.
It is also a well written story. The way Forbidden Fruit was written – it’s first person from Sam’s POV – may not be my thing, along with the ‘telling/narrating’ scenes, but it is most certainly not poorly done.
As it is written from Sam’s POV, he is the main focus of the story. He’s the character the reader gets to know best. He’s fun to hang around with too, so that’s certainly not a bad thing. The reader gets a lot less on Jamie. He’s seen through Sam’s eyes. Luckily for the reader and befitting Sam’s job, he is a good judge of character.
So then why is this story not rated higher, you ask?
I wanted to rate this story higher than I did. The reason I did not is while I liked how the romance played out, it was still a predictable story. There is no real depth in Forbidden Fruit. It certainly is an enjoyable read, a story to read while waiting at an airport or on a rainy Sunday afternoon. It’s not a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat or clutching your reader in emotional suspense nor on the floor laughing your ass off. But I still liked it!
June 13, 2012
This review was posted at Under the Covers.
3.5 stars.
Sam L. Young, or Sly, as his close loved ones call him (which are 3, according to him), is a private detective in the Big Easy. We meet him as he is being hired by a man who is worried about his wife and business partner possibly having an affair. In the process of his investigation, Sam stops in at one of his favorite diners where he then meets a young and beautiful waiter, Jamie. While Sam is intrigued and attracted at once, nothing comes of it, and he continues his investigation.
Shortly after finishing his job, he then finds out that his client and wife are missing along with his client’s business assets. Before long, Sam is being hired by the business partner to investigate the embezzlement. While conducting this investigation, he runs by the diner in hopes to see Jamie again. Not only does he get to see Jamie, but he also finds Jamie being seriously harassed by someone who obviously is a part of Jamie’s past. Jamie doesn’t provide any details about his past, but it is clear to Sam that Jamie is fearful of this man. As a result, Sam decides to take Jamie under his wing and provide him with a safe place to stay as Sam tries to figure out how to deal with this situation, in addition to continuing his work on his new case.
As the story unfolds, his relationship with Jamie grows into something more than just protection and friendship, and both Jamie and Sam’s PI work begin to intermingle in his life. Talking to Jamie about his case, Sam soon discovers that Jamie might be of great help to his PI business, and he is also quite besotted with Jamie. However, Jamie’s past haunts him and is fearful of so much, including the “normal” elements that make up a relationship. Sam is very patient, however, and is willing to be with Jamie in ways that are more emotional than physical.
Forbidden Fruit is a very sweet, short story and incorporates so many elements of what I love in my books. It has an enjoyable, snarky main character, some good detective work, and a relationship that grows out of something more than just lust. For those of you familiar with various m/m romance works, Sam reminds me of Vic from “PsyCop,” and the relationship of Sam and Jamie reminds me of Levi and Jaime from “Between Sinners and Saints.” The downfall for me, though, was that Forbidden Fruit was much too short, and I only wish that all of the elements which I love so much would have been developed much, much more, and made into a full novel. Because of it being a short story, the underlying crime work was solved too quickly and easily, as was the way in which Jamie’s sitch with his past was resolved. Further, the “L” word was used much, much too soon. I felt like they barely knew each other as they were talking about love for each other. Other than those few points, though, it was a very sweet story. Also, this was my first book by Kendrick, but with his style of writing, it will not be my last.
*ARC provided by publisher
3.5 stars.
Sam L. Young, or Sly, as his close loved ones call him (which are 3, according to him), is a private detective in the Big Easy. We meet him as he is being hired by a man who is worried about his wife and business partner possibly having an affair. In the process of his investigation, Sam stops in at one of his favorite diners where he then meets a young and beautiful waiter, Jamie. While Sam is intrigued and attracted at once, nothing comes of it, and he continues his investigation.
Shortly after finishing his job, he then finds out that his client and wife are missing along with his client’s business assets. Before long, Sam is being hired by the business partner to investigate the embezzlement. While conducting this investigation, he runs by the diner in hopes to see Jamie again. Not only does he get to see Jamie, but he also finds Jamie being seriously harassed by someone who obviously is a part of Jamie’s past. Jamie doesn’t provide any details about his past, but it is clear to Sam that Jamie is fearful of this man. As a result, Sam decides to take Jamie under his wing and provide him with a safe place to stay as Sam tries to figure out how to deal with this situation, in addition to continuing his work on his new case.
As the story unfolds, his relationship with Jamie grows into something more than just protection and friendship, and both Jamie and Sam’s PI work begin to intermingle in his life. Talking to Jamie about his case, Sam soon discovers that Jamie might be of great help to his PI business, and he is also quite besotted with Jamie. However, Jamie’s past haunts him and is fearful of so much, including the “normal” elements that make up a relationship. Sam is very patient, however, and is willing to be with Jamie in ways that are more emotional than physical.
Forbidden Fruit is a very sweet, short story and incorporates so many elements of what I love in my books. It has an enjoyable, snarky main character, some good detective work, and a relationship that grows out of something more than just lust. For those of you familiar with various m/m romance works, Sam reminds me of Vic from “PsyCop,” and the relationship of Sam and Jamie reminds me of Levi and Jaime from “Between Sinners and Saints.” The downfall for me, though, was that Forbidden Fruit was much too short, and I only wish that all of the elements which I love so much would have been developed much, much more, and made into a full novel. Because of it being a short story, the underlying crime work was solved too quickly and easily, as was the way in which Jamie’s sitch with his past was resolved. Further, the “L” word was used much, much too soon. I felt like they barely knew each other as they were talking about love for each other. Other than those few points, though, it was a very sweet story. Also, this was my first book by Kendrick, but with his style of writing, it will not be my last.
*ARC provided by publisher
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January 24, 2023This one was a bit of mixed bag for me. While I enjoyed the mystery of the investigation of the case and I really liked the characters, I wanted to better understand Sam and his motivations.
In this book there are a couple of things going on - solving the mystery and the romance. Sam/Sly is a PI and involved in a couple of cases over the course of this story. The main case involves murder and missing money. As Sam is trying to solve the riddle, he meets Jamie, the new waiter at his local restaurant.
Jamie has been badly treated by a 'boyfriend' (I say that lightly as the boyfriend is really an abusive and controlling bully not a lover) and has been on the run from him for six months. Unfortunately he is found but luckily he has Sam to protect him.
The connection between Sam and Jamie really works and the strength of the story lies in the wonderful way Sam treats Jamie. He is gentle and caring and doesn't rush him. This is not a book about sex, there's hardly even any kissing and what kissing there is, is not really even the passionate kind. It is more a story about love and trust.
I guess what I didn't like was the lack of professional treatment for Jamie. For someone with his issues, not even able to be touched, he really should have gotten some counselling. Aside from this, which for some reason really stood out for me, I think his relationship with Sam was presented very well - Sam is unhurried, reassuring, loving and supportive. It was lovely how he was willing to accept a platonic relationship if that was the only way he could have Jamie in his life.
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
In this book there are a couple of things going on - solving the mystery and the romance. Sam/Sly is a PI and involved in a couple of cases over the course of this story. The main case involves murder and missing money. As Sam is trying to solve the riddle, he meets Jamie, the new waiter at his local restaurant.
Jamie has been badly treated by a 'boyfriend' (I say that lightly as the boyfriend is really an abusive and controlling bully not a lover) and has been on the run from him for six months. Unfortunately he is found but luckily he has Sam to protect him.
The connection between Sam and Jamie really works and the strength of the story lies in the wonderful way Sam treats Jamie. He is gentle and caring and doesn't rush him. This is not a book about sex, there's hardly even any kissing and what kissing there is, is not really even the passionate kind. It is more a story about love and trust.
I guess what I didn't like was the lack of professional treatment for Jamie. For someone with his issues, not even able to be touched, he really should have gotten some counselling. Aside from this, which for some reason really stood out for me, I think his relationship with Sam was presented very well - Sam is unhurried, reassuring, loving and supportive. It was lovely how he was willing to accept a platonic relationship if that was the only way he could have Jamie in his life.
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
December 1, 2013
I wanted to love this. Don't get me wrong, I really liked the writing style, but I think it was too short for me. If it were longer, I could have believed what was happening.
Sly (AKA Samuel L. Young) is a PI and he's on a weird case about a cheating wife that gets turned all around. There was a case of "whodunnit", but I liked it. While he's thinking things over, he goes to lunch at his favorite spot "Charlie's" where he sees a new waiter, Jamie. He's immediately smitten with the kid. He keeps coming back just to get a glimpse of him. When he finally does see him it's when Jamie's ex that he's been running from for 5 years finds him and threatens him. Sly and Charlie take it upon themselves to help Jamie become safe.
I LOVED Charlie and all of his "friends". I want more of Charlie.
I didn't buy the romance between Sly and Jamie. It felt off. The "ILY's" happened WAY too soon.
I really did like how slow Sly was willing to take the relationship with Jamie. THAT felt real. Jamie needed that and knew they could work with that.
Overall, I think if it was longer it could have been better.
Sly (AKA Samuel L. Young) is a PI and he's on a weird case about a cheating wife that gets turned all around. There was a case of "whodunnit", but I liked it. While he's thinking things over, he goes to lunch at his favorite spot "Charlie's" where he sees a new waiter, Jamie. He's immediately smitten with the kid. He keeps coming back just to get a glimpse of him. When he finally does see him it's when Jamie's ex that he's been running from for 5 years finds him and threatens him. Sly and Charlie take it upon themselves to help Jamie become safe.
I LOVED Charlie and all of his "friends". I want more of Charlie.
I didn't buy the romance between Sly and Jamie. It felt off. The "ILY's" happened WAY too soon.
I really did like how slow Sly was willing to take the relationship with Jamie. THAT felt real. Jamie needed that and knew they could work with that.
Overall, I think if it was longer it could have been better.
June 23, 2012
The whole story is damned good, but the final piéce de resistance for me was the ending because of how it tells us and takes us way into their future so we're not left wondering where they are now or to even look for a sequel and whine about wanting more. We're not left wanting more, but we are in the sense of wanting from this author other books that he has to offer us.
Brilliant story, Edward!
Brilliant story, Edward!
June 25, 2012
This was an awesome story, at around 30,000 words it is the kind of book you can curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea and a biscuit and devour in one sitting. Loved Sly and Jaimie. Would have loved to know what actually ended up to the bad guy he he...
Loved the details of the cases. Definitely recommended with the one proviso - it's a little short and I wanted more so we all need to gang up on Edward and make him write more in this verse.
Loved the details of the cases. Definitely recommended with the one proviso - it's a little short and I wanted more so we all need to gang up on Edward and make him write more in this verse.
June 21, 2012
This is the best Edward Kendrick story I own! This is a true romance! The sex only came in the near end but the progression of the relationship between Sly and Jamie mixed with the mystery was a page turner. Jamie suffered abuse in his past but it was not detailed (Thank God. The abuser gets his just desserts and Jamie gets a better job.
June 24, 2012
I did not like this book. Even with it being short, I couldn't bring myself to finish it. The way the mystery played out was simplistic and I wondered what was the point of it. The dialogue was just not good. Was Jaime 24 or 15? There was not anything I liked about this book.
June 14, 2012
This is like a corny Disney story. It's not what I would even classify romantic, it's so unrealistic, particularly given it's genre. It's like a young adult but isn't supposed to be.
March 22, 2022
3.5 stars
July 24, 2013
Dragnet. No, not the movie, but the series the movie was based on. Do you remember it? I think Edward Kendrick does. Dragnet was a cop show. Each week Joe Friday would come into our homes via television and solve a crime. He would narrate the story with a rather detached precision as we watched the action unfold. Forbidden Fruit is a lot like that—a narrated crime story that unfolds and with its resolution, you discover that Mr. Kendrick has tricked you—you haven’t just been reading a mystery novel, no—you’ve been reading a romance novel…and it’s sweetness may just take your breath away.
Unfortunately, to get to that love story there is a mystery—and a rather dry introduction to our main character Sly. Samuel L. Young, private detective. He is hired to do a run of the mill check on a potential cheating wife. What he doesn’t know is that the wife is much more than she seems and that the client has no idea until it’s too late. Running in tandem with this story is one of a young man, a new employee at a diner Sly frequents often.
Jaime…sounded, fragile, sweet Jaime. He arrives in town on run for his life, being pursued by an abusive, controlling ex who has nearly broken Jaime in more all the ways that matter. These two meet and something clicks—but Jaime has baggage—lots of it—and an ex-boyfriend who wants him back.
The growth in each of these characters was well plotted and executed with great care. Sly went from aloof, insensitive and a bit snarky to a man who put his lover’s needs before his own—who, in fact, put greater value on the aspect of loving the person and not just the act of sexual love. Jaime began this novella as a terrified and angry loner who was unable to stand another man’s touch due to the abuse he had suffered. Yet, through Sly’s loving tenderness and support, he heals bit by bit, growing stronger each day. I loved the fact that there was no easy fix for these guys. Mr. Kendrick gave us a carefully crafted look at what can happen when love prevails over baser needs and how trust is vital to a successful relationship
Forbidden Fruit is a tight little mystery, with its share of action and suspense. However, I did not think this was the novella’s strong point. In fact, that part of the story was rather dryly delivered—almost non-emotional and had the author allowed his character Sly to remain living there I would have dismissed this story out of hand, given it a 2 or 3 rating and called it a day. But Edward Kendrick wisely uses the factual narrative of the mystery plot line to morph into his true strength—the love story. The resulting middle and end to this novella was where the true heart of this story laid—and it drew me right down into it’s emotionally-charged pages and left me smiling.
So in the end, Dragnet became Castle…and a delightful novella, Forbidden Fruit was born. A sweet story and a happy ever after—who could ask for more?
Unfortunately, to get to that love story there is a mystery—and a rather dry introduction to our main character Sly. Samuel L. Young, private detective. He is hired to do a run of the mill check on a potential cheating wife. What he doesn’t know is that the wife is much more than she seems and that the client has no idea until it’s too late. Running in tandem with this story is one of a young man, a new employee at a diner Sly frequents often.
Jaime…sounded, fragile, sweet Jaime. He arrives in town on run for his life, being pursued by an abusive, controlling ex who has nearly broken Jaime in more all the ways that matter. These two meet and something clicks—but Jaime has baggage—lots of it—and an ex-boyfriend who wants him back.
The growth in each of these characters was well plotted and executed with great care. Sly went from aloof, insensitive and a bit snarky to a man who put his lover’s needs before his own—who, in fact, put greater value on the aspect of loving the person and not just the act of sexual love. Jaime began this novella as a terrified and angry loner who was unable to stand another man’s touch due to the abuse he had suffered. Yet, through Sly’s loving tenderness and support, he heals bit by bit, growing stronger each day. I loved the fact that there was no easy fix for these guys. Mr. Kendrick gave us a carefully crafted look at what can happen when love prevails over baser needs and how trust is vital to a successful relationship
Forbidden Fruit is a tight little mystery, with its share of action and suspense. However, I did not think this was the novella’s strong point. In fact, that part of the story was rather dryly delivered—almost non-emotional and had the author allowed his character Sly to remain living there I would have dismissed this story out of hand, given it a 2 or 3 rating and called it a day. But Edward Kendrick wisely uses the factual narrative of the mystery plot line to morph into his true strength—the love story. The resulting middle and end to this novella was where the true heart of this story laid—and it drew me right down into it’s emotionally-charged pages and left me smiling.
So in the end, Dragnet became Castle…and a delightful novella, Forbidden Fruit was born. A sweet story and a happy ever after—who could ask for more?
September 17, 2012
4.5 Kisses
Forbidden Fruit is the first book I’ve read by Edward Kendrick and it definitely won’t be the last! I loved the easy style of writing Mr. Kendrick has and his ability to write sympathetic, humanly-flawed characters immediately swept me up into this story of mystery and romance that I found highly enjoyable.
Sam is a private investigator that has become a little cynical with his work and his life in general. Since most of his clients are people that want evidence against their cheating spouses, Sam sees a lot of infidelity and deceit. Because of this, it’s made him wary of relationships in general. But when he spots a beautiful and saddened looking young man working as a waiter at his favorite restaurant, he’s surprised by the immediate attraction and the protective instinct the young waiter, Jamie, brings out in him.
When Sam witnesses Jamie being stalked and bullied by Jamie’s ex-lover, Sam finds himself going out of his way and doing things he never thought he’d do to protect the sweet, frightened man. Even though Jamie balks at the idea of Sam’s help, Jamie is soon convinced to allow Sam to help him and soon the men become friends. As the heated attraction between them continues to build, both Sam and Jamie must face their own insecurities and fears if they want to build a solid relationship between them. Will they be able to learn to trust the feelings they have for one another or will they allow their past hurts and fears to keep them from having the deepest love they’ve ever known?
Forbidden Fruit is a fast-paced, smoothly written romance. I was immediately swept up into the lives of these two characters and their interesting lives. I enjoyed watching these two men work through their own issues and develop a deep respect and love between them. There are several twists and turns throughout the storyline that kept this reader firmly grasped in the storyline and I rejoiced at the happy ending this book had. My only gripe about the book is: I wish the book had been longer. All of the characters are interesting and well-written and I would have loved to see more about them in general. If you are looking for a sweet and sexy romance with some action and adventure in it, Forbidden Fruit will definitely be the book you are looking for!
Forbidden Fruit is the first book I’ve read by Edward Kendrick and it definitely won’t be the last! I loved the easy style of writing Mr. Kendrick has and his ability to write sympathetic, humanly-flawed characters immediately swept me up into this story of mystery and romance that I found highly enjoyable.
Sam is a private investigator that has become a little cynical with his work and his life in general. Since most of his clients are people that want evidence against their cheating spouses, Sam sees a lot of infidelity and deceit. Because of this, it’s made him wary of relationships in general. But when he spots a beautiful and saddened looking young man working as a waiter at his favorite restaurant, he’s surprised by the immediate attraction and the protective instinct the young waiter, Jamie, brings out in him.
When Sam witnesses Jamie being stalked and bullied by Jamie’s ex-lover, Sam finds himself going out of his way and doing things he never thought he’d do to protect the sweet, frightened man. Even though Jamie balks at the idea of Sam’s help, Jamie is soon convinced to allow Sam to help him and soon the men become friends. As the heated attraction between them continues to build, both Sam and Jamie must face their own insecurities and fears if they want to build a solid relationship between them. Will they be able to learn to trust the feelings they have for one another or will they allow their past hurts and fears to keep them from having the deepest love they’ve ever known?
Forbidden Fruit is a fast-paced, smoothly written romance. I was immediately swept up into the lives of these two characters and their interesting lives. I enjoyed watching these two men work through their own issues and develop a deep respect and love between them. There are several twists and turns throughout the storyline that kept this reader firmly grasped in the storyline and I rejoiced at the happy ending this book had. My only gripe about the book is: I wish the book had been longer. All of the characters are interesting and well-written and I would have loved to see more about them in general. If you are looking for a sweet and sexy romance with some action and adventure in it, Forbidden Fruit will definitely be the book you are looking for!
August 8, 2012
As a combination of a mystery and a sweet romance, this short book was definitely a winner for me. The case PI 'Sly' has to solve is so outrageous it made me smile, yet, I bet stuff like that happens in real life. Add to that the romance between Jamie, who clearly has his own issues, and the tale is ready for take-off.
Sly is a regular PI, but a high class one. He charges a lot, but he also gets results, and what I really liked was that he first goes after one guy, then doesn’t even bat an eyelash when that same man hires him to go after the original client. Talk about poetic justice! I also liked him for the way he empathizes and supports Jamie. While he tells himself that he is only 'helping', he quietly falls for the waiter-in-trouble. In the end romance is what pulls them together though, and the rest is details. What's not to like about that?
Jamie has had a very tough time with an abusive boyfriend. We don’t find out too much about the situation, because the focus is firmly on how Jamie deals with it. Yes, Sly helps, but most of the hard work and the 'getting himself together' again is done by Jamie. I admired him for his determination. I also loved the fact that he is clever enough to actually help Sly figure out a thing or two.
As for the ending? Absolutely perfect! If you like your mysteries with a touch (or more) of romance, if a PI who pulls no punches is your kind of guy, and if two men figuring out how they might fit together, all while being threatened by murder and mayhem sounds like an interesting story idea, then you will probably like this book.
NOTE: This book was provided by Silver Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Sly is a regular PI, but a high class one. He charges a lot, but he also gets results, and what I really liked was that he first goes after one guy, then doesn’t even bat an eyelash when that same man hires him to go after the original client. Talk about poetic justice! I also liked him for the way he empathizes and supports Jamie. While he tells himself that he is only 'helping', he quietly falls for the waiter-in-trouble. In the end romance is what pulls them together though, and the rest is details. What's not to like about that?
Jamie has had a very tough time with an abusive boyfriend. We don’t find out too much about the situation, because the focus is firmly on how Jamie deals with it. Yes, Sly helps, but most of the hard work and the 'getting himself together' again is done by Jamie. I admired him for his determination. I also loved the fact that he is clever enough to actually help Sly figure out a thing or two.
As for the ending? Absolutely perfect! If you like your mysteries with a touch (or more) of romance, if a PI who pulls no punches is your kind of guy, and if two men figuring out how they might fit together, all while being threatened by murder and mayhem sounds like an interesting story idea, then you will probably like this book.
NOTE: This book was provided by Silver Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 19, 2012
This was just the kind of read I needed right now.
A very intriguing--first person POV--wonderfully written story with a most satisfying ending.
Instead of babbling on, Plain and Simple; It was a wonderfully written story. I loved it.
A very intriguing--first person POV--wonderfully written story with a most satisfying ending.
Instead of babbling on, Plain and Simple; It was a wonderfully written story. I loved it.
May 8, 2016
The first 65-70% was fabulous. I loved it, and was surprised that I was so far into the book, when it only felt like a few pages had gone by.
The last 30% or so, was were the romance hit...by a truck. Oh, I liked it. It was just fast...from agreeing there was a hint of attraction, to the big L word, out of nowhere. I liked them together. I felt it went a little to fast though. I blinked and missed the build. When it hit, it hit hard, and with a super double dose of sugar.
Mystery portion....Really enjoyed.
Romance Portion...meh, it was okay.
Overall I enjoyed Sly, and wish this was a series...possibly making the romance portion a slower burn. But I'm left wanting more of his character.
The last 30% or so, was were the romance hit...by a truck. Oh, I liked it. It was just fast...from agreeing there was a hint of attraction, to the big L word, out of nowhere. I liked them together. I felt it went a little to fast though. I blinked and missed the build. When it hit, it hit hard, and with a super double dose of sugar.
Mystery portion....Really enjoyed.
Romance Portion...meh, it was okay.
Overall I enjoyed Sly, and wish this was a series...possibly making the romance portion a slower burn. But I'm left wanting more of his character.
May 17, 2013
The mystery, as always, was great, but the strengths of this book lies in its characters. Sam, without a doubt, is a swoon-worthy hero, but it's his caring and loving nature towards Jamie that won me over more than anything. I particularly appreciated the way the author handled Jamie's fears and the realistic portrayal of their relationship development. Recommended!
October 3, 2015
Well written. Showing not telling. Leaving little hints at his past for us to figure out.
Why couldn't the wife have access codes for the Cayman accounts?
Wow, the romance went from interested to love within a page. It was late on the book, but emotions hadn't been described before hand, so it was too abrupt to be believable to me.
So sweet. Nice epilogue.
Why couldn't the wife have access codes for the Cayman accounts?
Wow, the romance went from interested to love within a page. It was late on the book, but emotions hadn't been described before hand, so it was too abrupt to be believable to me.
So sweet. Nice epilogue.
June 4, 2012
I truly liked this one, it was a fun read, with a little bit of mystery and intrigue. Sam and Jamie had good chemistry together.
I am hoping that maybe there might be a story for Charlie in the future. He intrigued me lot.
I am hoping that maybe there might be a story for Charlie in the future. He intrigued me lot.
June 24, 2012
I really loved the way the story was written in the 50's style of the PI narrating his own life. It added a lot of fun to the story. It was wonderful to see how much Sly's love gives him the patience to wait for James to be ready to receive all the love he has to give.
June 4, 2012
This was a light romantic love story. The main storyline is rather easy; drawn around Sly and around his work as a private PI. I really liked Sly as a character. His cases were developed with good dialogues and warm comic. If you want an easy romantic story, this is a right choice.
September 20, 2012
Short and sweet. I really liked the end, which was cute. I liked the two main characters, and although there was no surprises and no real conflict or angst, it was still a cute little read and ideal if you're looking for something easy going.
November 29, 2012
I liked the sweet, scared Jamie meeting the rough PI Sam. But this story just didn't do it for me. While the writing was very good, the story line just wasn't there for me. I did however love that we got a flash forward of 30 years later.
June 22, 2012
Lovely book.
December 10, 2012
It was a nice story but there was no sex except for a bit of a blowjob.. Just checking whether his other books are that way??
June 2, 2012
3 1/2 Hearts
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